Associate Consultant

We are looking for an experienced, commercially driven Client Consultant with a proven track record in business development to win new client relationships and grow existing accounts across our specialist markets. This role suits someone with 3+ years' experience in recruitment or executive search who thrives on new business development, enjoys building relationships with senior decision-makers, and is motivated by winning retained mandates and growing market share. You will take ownership of the client relationship end-to-end - from first approach and pitch through to winning retained business, managing the account, and expanding it over time - working closely with search consultants to ensure outstanding delivery once mandates are won. Key Responsibilities Business Development Proactively identify and approach target companies to generate new business opportunities. Build and execute a structured BD strategy across your sector, mapping key decision-makers and hiring stakeholders. Convert cold and warm leads into client meetings through calls, LinkedIn, and network referrals. Pitch nexus's value proposition confidently, positioning retained search as the preferred solution. Flip contingent engagements into retained relationships wherever possible. Negotiate terms, fees, and scope to secure profitable, well-structured assignments. Maintain a consistent pipeline of live BD conversations and track progress rigorously. Client Relationship Management Build long-term, trusted relationships with clients across your market. Act as the primary point of contact for client strategy, expectations, and account growth. Understand client hiring needs deeply and translate these into clear briefs for search consultants. Provide regular, proactive updates on market activity, talent availability, and hiring trends. Identify opportunities to expand existing accounts into new divisions, functions, or geographies. Ensure an excellent, consultative client experience at every touchpoint. Collaboration with Search Partner closely with search consultants to ensure mandates are briefed accurately and delivered effectively. Provide market insight and client context to support search strategy and candidate targeting. Support search consultants with client communication where needed to maintain momentum. Represent the voice of the client internally to help shape delivery priorities. Market Knowledge Develop deep expertise in your sector, client landscape, and competitor activity. Track market movements, hiring trends, and client organisational change to identify new opportunities. Build credibility as a trusted commercial advisor within your market. Process & CRM Management Maintain accurate, structured records of all client interactions and BD activity within the CRM. Follow internal BD processes to ensure a repeatable, professional approach to winning business. Contribute to building a strong pipeline of retained client relationships for the business. What Good Looks Like Successful Client Consultants in our business typically demonstrate: Solutions orientated: Proactively overcomes objections in BD conversations, finding practical ways to move opportunities toward a signed mandate. Passion: Proactively pursuing new business, using cold calling and structured BD approaches to win the best clients in the market. Excellence: Consistently operating and role modelling nexus standards. Accountability: Taking ownership of client relationships and revenue targets, ensuring processes are followed and results are delivered. Experience & Skills Required 3+ years' experience in recruitment or executive search, with demonstrable new business development success Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills Experience winning retained search mandates Confident, proactive approach to cold outreach and pitching Excellent communication and relationship-building ability Highly organised with strong attention to detail Experience within manufacturing markets Track record of flipping contingent business to retained Experience selling into senior/executive stakeholders What We Offer A collaborative and high-performance recruitment environment Access to high-quality exec level search assignments Ongoing training and development The opportunity to develop deep commercial expertise in your market Opportunity to join a super ambitious culture, focused on being the best at what we do whilst still having fun on the journey Chance to qualify for our super holiday incentive such as; Mykonos, Tulum, St Tropez, Skiing #J-18808-Ljbffr